You can book with any of the local tour operators who specialize in arranging such activities for tourists. If you’re concerned about your fitness levels, ask your tour operator before going ahead with the booking. You don’t need high levels of fitness to enjoy most of the outdoor activities. Here are some of the adventurous pursuits you can enjoy while touring Edinburgh:

1. Canyoning

This would be one of your best outdoor experiences in this part of the world. You’ll be placed in one of the groups that travel down a steep river gorge. Individuals in the group who are interested in cliff-jumping can enjoy plunging into the freshwater pools from the cliffs. 

This activity is usually offered by the local tour operators as a part of the day trip from Edinburgh. You’ll be taken to parts of Scotland that many only get to admire from distant places. The group would be accompanied by qualified instructors and provided all the technical equipment needed for the activity. 

2. Hiking

You’ll find the world’s most beautiful landscapes in Scotland and Edinburgh certainly has some of them. There are mountainous terrains and coastal trails worth exploring near the city. The best way to enjoy them is to go on guided hiking tours from Edinburgh. Upon booking your tour with one of the local operators, you’ll be accompanied by a qualified mountain leader. 

You’ll be placed in a group of hikers before embarking on the exciting journey through the Scottish uplands. No vehicle would be taken along while hiking to get everyone to focus on the overall experience. You can, of course, take some amazing pictures to capture the memorable moments. 

3. Mountain Biking

There are several trails for mountain biking that are easily accessible from Edinburgh. You can choose your trail according to the desired level of difficulty. These trails can be natural or man-made or a combination of both. On the day of this activity, you’ll be picked up from your place of accommodation. 

Then, you’ll be driven to the trail center. A mountain bike and helmet would be provided along with a detailed brief about the entire day. You can then go mountain biking on some of the best trails near Edinburgh. Don’t forget to take some wonderful snaps on the way with your camera or smartphone!

4. Canoeing

Scotland has captivating remote landscapes, lochs, and rivers that can be explored with a canoe. This light, narrow boat would be ideal for an exciting journey through the Scottish wilderness. Canoeing gives you the opportunity to experience nature at its best. You can book a full-day canoeing trip with any of the local service providers. 

Their representative will pick you up from your place of stay and drive you to the canoeing venue. You’ll be provided with a canoe, paddles, and buoyancy aids for the activity. The skills and techniques needed for the day would also be taught by the instructor. You can then embark on your canoeing adventure through one of the country’s best rivers or lochs.

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During your stay in Morningside you’d certainly want to visit the most popular places nearby. You can take one of the Lothian buses to get to Edinburgh. Once you’re in the Scottish capital, you’ll have many tourist attractions worth exploring. While getting around in Edinburgh, you’ll get a glimpse of the city’s past. 

In the 18th-century New Town, you’ll get to witness the elegant Georgian neighborhoods. When you get to the Old Town, you’ll see hidden passageways, narrow winding lanes, and steep staircases. Besides these two historical places, you’ll get to witness many other attractions in Edinburgh.

1. National Monument of Scotland

The National Monument of Scotland is dedicated to the country’s soldiers and sailors who died in the Napoleonic Wars. It is located on Calton Hill, which offers a panoramic view of the entire Edinburgh city. This monument modeled on the Parthenon of Athens dominates the summit of Calton Hill. 

It was designed by the architects William Henry Playfair and Charles Robert Cockerell. Construction of the monument began in 1826, but was left unfinished in 1829 due to lack of funds. This led to several nicknames being given to it, such as ‘Edinburgh’s Disgrace’ and ‘Scotland’s Folly’. 

Several attempts were made in the following years to complete it, but were unsuccessful. The monument was classified as Category A building in 1966 and underwent repairs in 2008.

2. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Home to over 13,000 different plant species, this is the second oldest garden of its kind in the UK. The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE) was founded in 1670 and is spread over 70 acres. While exploring this garden you’ll come across some rare giant trees. They were brought from China, the Himalayas, and North America. 

A herbarium in this botanic garden has a collection of more than three million specimens. Other highlights of this garden include the woodland garden. It has colorful azaleas, camellias, and tropical water plants among the other offerings. If you visit this botanic garden during Christmas, you’ll get to witness some spectacular displays of lights.

3. National Museum of Scotland

One of the most popular attractions of the country, the National Museum of Scotland was opened in 2011. Visiting this museum is one of the best things you can do for free in the Scottish capital. It is visited by more than two million individuals annually. The collections of this museum includes the ones from many of Edinburgh’s older museums. 

Among the highlights are the medieval artifacts, archaeological collections and a variety of displays. Over 8,000 artifacts are displayed in the museum’s 16 galleries. Upon browsing these galleries, you’ll come across the world’s first cloned mammal known as Dolly the sheep. There are two restaurants in this museum and you can also benefit from its guided tours.

4. Holyrood Palace

Also known as ‘Palace of Holyroodhouse’ or simply ‘Holyroodhouse’, this palace is the British monarch’s official residence in Scotland. It is located at the bottom of the Royal Mile. It was constructed in 1678 and has been the center of Scottish history ever since. The Queen spends a week at this palace every summer. 

Portraits of Scottish kings have been displayed in The Great Gallery. As a part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations, The Queen’s Gallery was opened in 2002. If you’re travelling with your family, allow your kids to put on the costumes in the Family Room.  

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Among them is the surrounding district of Morningside, which is located to the south-west of Edinburgh. This delightful suburb invites you to uncover some of its delights unknown to many travelers. So, here are certain things you must never miss doing during your time spent in Morningside:

1. Go shopping

You’ll enjoy some unique shopping experiences in Morningside and its surrounding places. One of the shops in this Scottish district offers some quirky items for sale. The name of this shop is ‘The Ugly Duckling’. It has some fascinating stuff for people of all ages. Jewelry, hats, bags, cards, gloves, prints, and ornaments are some of the items you can buy from this shop.

2. Watch a movie at The Dominion Cinema

One of the precious gems of Morningside, this cinema is a favorite among the locals as well as tourists. This is not an ordinary cinema. It has been built in the Art Deco style and provides some unique experiences for movie buffs. You can enjoy the latest release on a reclining sofa. 

The excitement doesn’t end here. You’ll be treated to refreshments that’ll be brought to you while you unwind on your sofa. As a part of their table service, all these items are brought to you in proper crockery and glassware.

3. Get to the Wild West

Within the streets of Morningside is situated a ghost town called the Wild West. The entire set was constructed as a part of an advertising campaign for a furniture company. From the public library, Wild West can be reached within a minute or two. Don’t forget to visit the cantina and jail while you’re in this American outback.

4. Visit the popular farmer’s market

If you really want to immerse yourself in the local culture, visit the farmer’s market. Ever since it opened in 2013, this market has gained immense popularity among the residents. It now opens every third Saturday of the month from 9:30 in the morning to 3:30 pm. 

A visit to this market will give you the chance to mingle with the local community. You can also buy some fresh pies, baked goods, jams, crafts, and confectionery. Some of the other items available in the farmer’s market are pork, fresh poultry, sausages, and fish.

5. Watch a live performance

The Church Hill Theatre is undoubtedly one of the best places to watch a live show in Scotland. It was built in the late 19th century as the Morningside Free Church. It was bought by the Edinburgh Council in 1960 to use it as a performance space. After extensive refurbishment works, the new and improved Church Hill Theatre was reopened in 2006.

6. Enjoy the refreshments

One of the Eat Walk tours offered in this part of Scotland would guide you to some fabulous eateries. After much exploration, you’ll certainly crave for a cup of tea, a hearty sandwich, or a slice of cake. You won’t have to go searching for one, as there’s no shortage of options. 

Dotted around the district are some of the finest eateries and fine dining restaurants. You just need to choose anyone among them and allow yourself to be treated to some mouth-watering delicacies.

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